Investment in internet-based management technology will see Days Contract Hire expand its fleet management business.

The vehicle leasing provider, with a fleet of almost 10,000 company cars and vans, has introduced Jaama’s multi award-winning Key2 leasing and vehicle management system as the industry-leading platform through which it is delivering its range of products and services, further driving cost-saving efficiencies and compliance for customers.

Days Contract Hire operations manager Caroline Wright said introduction of the technology and particularly a client ‘dashboard’, known as Fleet Space, providing direct online access to a suite of reports delivering, in real-time, comprehensive information on every conceivable issue relating to their vehicles and drivers was providing the catalyst for growth.

A recent contract win with the Principality Building Society for the supply of vehicles and a range of fleet management services is expected to further provide a springboard for expansion.

Historically, Days Contract Hire has focused on the funding, supply and maintenance of leased vehicles, and, although it has offered fleet management and the supply of a range of ancillary services, take-up has been minimal.

Wright said: “That is all changing following the implementation of Key2. Our previous system provider was not able to invest in the technology and the functionality we required to enable us to grow our business. As a result we were hugely reliant on a system that was time-consuming and laborious in terms of sourcing management information.

“But now Fleet Space is being rolled out to all customers and the whole system has transformed our ability to offer fleet management and a comprehensive range of other services.

“Fleet managers are able to view via Fleet Space live data on their fleet and are warned of upcoming events by way of a traffic light system. Order tracking, copy invoices and driver licence checks are fully visible all supported by a comprehensive suite of reports.

“The quality and quantity of data that Days Contract Hire can now provide is market-leading thus delivering significant benefits to clients. Key2 also delivers major administrative efficiencies internally and improved visibility of the wide range of assets that we own.

“Until the introduction of Key2, our fleet clients had to request management information from ourselves. We would produce those reports manually but the data was not ‘live’ nor in such detail as now.”

In addition to fleet management, Days Contract Hire’s comprehensive range of ancillary services includes: accident management, short-term hire, driver licence checking, fines management, fuel card provision, a 24-hour driver helpline and vehicle downtime management. Additional services are anticipated to be launched later in 2014.

Wright added: “We see fleet management as a major growth area for Days Contract Hire as existing contract hire customers access the service, and from prospects that may currently purchase vehicles or use another funder.”

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